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No immediate threat – City

Mr Kosova said the City had spent $3 million of its funds and $1 million in state funding to protect the coastline since the 1990s, and a study in 2002 recommended three groynes be built, which cost about $3.5 million.

‘Nearly 17,000 tonnes of limestone boulders and rocks was used to construct the groynes and low seawall along the edge of the car park,’ he said.

‘During the summers of 2002-03, 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2006-07, nearly 280,000 tonnes of sand was also placed along Quinns Beach.

‘Over the past decade, approximately 1000 tonnes of limestone and 10,000 tonnes of sand have been placed along the beach in response to localised erosion caused by occasional storms.’

Mr Kosova said although Ocean Drive and nearby houses are closer to the water’s edge than normally allowed, there is no evidence to suggest they are under immediate threat.

‘The road and houses are higher than the beach, which affords them some protection,’ he said.

‘However, the City is not the expert on modelling coastal conditions and therefore cannot comment on whether this situation might ever change in future, as a result of climate change, severe weather events or natural disasters.’

The website said the City applied for state funding through the coastal adaptation protection program earlier this year to carry out protection works, and received $50,000 this year, but no future funding commitment.

The Department of Transport was contacted for comment but did not respond before the Times went to print.